When Love and the Universe Collide
There’s something instantly captivating about Hot Mess at Southwark Playhouse. This new musical reimagines how love — and life itself — began, mixing heart, humour, and humanity in one gorgeously intimate production.
Starring Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley, Hot Mess takes audiences on a playful yet emotional ride through what it means to connect, to evolve, and to love — even when everything feels like, well, a hot mess.
Running until 8 November 2025, it’s a show that feels both universal and deeply personal.
Danielle Steers Shines as Earth
What a powerhouse! Danielle Steers, known for Bat Out of Hell and Six the Musical, delivers an unforgettable performance as Earth. Seeing her perform up close compared to Bat Out of Hell made her incredible vocals and stage presence even more magnetic.
She radiates confidence and warmth — even more inspiring after recently becoming a mum. There’s a grounded strength in her portrayal that makes every woman watching feel seen.
Hearing “Better in Time” before curtain-up set the perfect tone, but watching Danielle perform live truly blew me away.
📸 Photography by Helen Murray
Tobias Turley Brings Humanity to Life
As Hu (short for Humanity), Tobias Turley is an absolute joy to watch. Geeky, cheeky, and full of charm, he captures that mix of innocence and persistence that makes humanity so endearing — and occasionally ridiculous.
His chemistry with Danielle is delightful, bringing both laughter and tenderness to the stage. Together, they make the story feel alive, reminding us how messy, funny, and heartfelt relationships can be.
Music That Lingers Beyond the Curtain
One of the best parts? Hot Mess has original tracks available on Spotify — three songs to be exact! It’s the perfect way to relive the magic after the show.
I couldn’t resist putting them on during the journey home and singing along. The soundtrack blends soulful, clever lyrics with catchy rhythms that stick in your head for days.
Each song captures a different emotion, echoing the show’s themes of creation, connection, and chaos.
A Story That Hits Close to Home
There were moments that made me laugh out loud, others that left me quietly emotional. It’s a story that reflects the ups and downs of love, the fight for connection, and that bittersweet reminder — “there’s always tomorrow, but tomorrow might not be enough.”
It’s intimate, engaging, and beautifully staged within Southwark Playhouse’s close setting. At times, I almost wanted to get up and join in (but behaved myself, of course!).
See It Before It’s Gone
- Venue: Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London
- Dates: Until 8 November 2025
- Cast: Danielle Steers, Tobias Turley
- Photography: Helen Murray
- Listen: Hot Mess on Spotify
- Tickets: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk or follow @hotmess_musical
A short run like this deserves your attention — and your applause.
Final Thoughts
Hot Mess at Southwark Playhouse is pure joy: funny, soulful, and surprisingly profound. Danielle Steers and Tobias Turley deliver performances full of heart, humour, and humanity.
It’s one of those shows that makes you think about your own connections — the ones you’ve built, lost, or are still searching for.
If you want an evening that celebrates love in all its messy, cosmic glory, grab your tickets before it’s too late.
From Bat Out of Hell to Hot Mess and Beyond
It’s been such a joy to watch Danielle Steers’ journey across the stage. I first saw her in Bat Out of Hell, where her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence completely blew me away. Seeing her up close in Hot Mess at Southwark Playhouse offered something even more special — a deeper, more intimate performance that showcased her warmth, humour, and strength as a storyteller.
Danielle continues to shine both vocally and emotionally, bringing heart to every role she takes on. Next up, she’s heading into panto season with Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only Panto at the @kingsheadtheatre — promising a cheeky festive twist full of sparkle, sass, and that unmistakable Danielle energy.
